Blackwater, officially known as Academi, is a private military company (PMC) founded in 1997 by former Navy SEAL Erik Prince. The company gained significant attention and controversy for its role in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly following incidents involving its contractors, such as the 2007 Nisour Square shooting in Baghdad, where Blackwater personnel killed 17 Iraqi civilians.
Initially focused on providing training and support to military and law enforcement, Blackwater expanded its operations to include security services, logistical support, and risk assessment in conflict zones. Over the years, the company has undergone several rebrandings and ownership changes, including a name change to Xe Services in 2009 and later to Academi in 2011.
Blackwater's operations have sparked debates about the use of private military contractors, accountability, and the implications for U.S. foreign policy and military engagements. The company remains a symbol of the controversies surrounding privatized military services in modern warfare.